Master System Questions

[Dr. Dib]

Today I walked into my normal video game store to see a SEGA Master System (model 1) sitting on the console shelves. I asked one of the workers to hold it and lo and behold I'm now the owner of a SEGA Master System. Anyway, with the console I got Hangon/Safari Hunt and an extra controller. They offered me a joystick, but I declined. No Phaser was in stock.

As you probably guessed, the console does work, it isn't in the technical restoration section, but I wanted to know a few things about the console. First, I noticed that the console has the same port as the Atari and Genesis, should I use a different controller since the Master System's controllers aren't to great? Next, I need some games to buy since the store didn't have a lot in stock. I'll go the Ebay root, but would rather not buy a $50 game. Of course I'll be looking for a phaser and 3D glasses. Finally, I noticed that there is another AV output and was wondering what kind of cable goes in there and where can I find one.

Oh yeah, I noticed that my system goes into BiOS a lot. I'm assuming this is just the Master System's version of your console didn't work. My console is V 1.3 if anyone's wondering and is a NTSC system.

Thanks for any help.

[ShinobiMan]

Today I walked into my normal video game store to see a SEGA Master System (model 1) sitting on the console shelves. I asked one of the workers to hold it and lo and behold I'm now the owner of a SEGA Master System. Anyway, with the console I got Hangon/Safari Hunt and an extra controller. They offered me a joystick, but I declined. No Phaser was in stock.

As you probably guessed, the console does work, it isn't in the technical restoration section, but I wanted to know a few things about the console. First, I noticed that the console has the same port as the Atari and Genesis, should I use a different controller since the Master System's controllers aren't to great? Next, I need some games to buy since the store didn't have a lot in stock. I'll go the Ebay root, but would rather not buy a $50 game. Of course I'll be looking for a phaser and 3D glasses. Finally, I noticed that there is another AV output and was wondering what kind of cable goes in there and where can I find one.

Oh yeah, I noticed that my system goes into BiOS a lot. I'm assuming this is just the Master System's version of your console didn't work. My console is V 1.3 if anyone's wondering and is a NTSC system.

Thanks for any help.

Congrats on owning a GREAT system. The Sega Master System controllers do tend to be a little funky, so some people just use Sega Genesis pads. The cons of this is that they don't work with all of the games. There are roughly twelve games to have known problems with the Genesis controllers.

The AV port is for a standard Audio / Video cable that came with the system originally. You could use a Sega Genesis one, as they are easier to find. This is to hook your system up to a "video" source, as opposed to RF.

Enjoy!

[ooXxXoo]

If your Master System goes into Bios mode a lot, the System itself is detecting some sort of problem....Which this can be from about anything, specially from dust,dirt or any sort of lint residue touching the cartridge connector,exp port, card connector or any other place in the motherboard......I'll strongly recommend to take it apart and do some mayor cleaning before experimenting into anything else.....
The beloved Sega Master System.....

"Now, there are no limits".....

Nintendo kids don't hate on me!.....I was a Sega nutty boy from day one....

[Dr. Dib]

Maybe I should explain. It isn't really BIOS, as I have found out, but it just isn't reading the cartridge also. I guess I probably should do some more cleaning before I continue playing anymore. I also found out that one of my controllers isn't working correctly. It was only $5, but I do have a 2 week warranty on it so I'll see if I get back there. I did notice that the controllers actually use standard screws, so it may need a good cleaning too.

Now what games should I get. Psycho Fox is on my list of course, but what else? I don't really like turnbased RPGs nor sports games, so those are outs.

Edit: I have that adaptor that allows you to play the 32x on the original SEGA Genesis. Is it possible to use that to use a component cable or would that just fry the system? And also, can I play PAL games on a NTSC console without modification?

[sonoranreptile]

I like Moonwalker, Altered Beast, and any of the Wonder Boy games. A very cool and underrated system. Not the easiest to find either.....

[7th lutz]

I recommand the following North American sms games based on your interests:



Alex kidd in Miracle World
Astro Warrior
Castle of Illusion
Fantasy Zone
Fantasy Zone 2
Golvellius: Valley of Doom
Power Strike
Rastan
R-Type
Shinobi
Sonic the Hedgehog
Wonder Boy in Monsterland
Wonder Boy 3: Dragon's Trap
Bomber Raid
Montezuma's Revenge
Columns


Here are recommanded Import Sms games that are able to be played on an American Sms:



Gauntlet
The Lucky Dime: Staring Donald Duck
Xenon 2: Megablast

[SpaceHarrier]

I enjoyed:

Black Belt
Psycho Fox
Rastan (2nd'ing)
Kenseiden
Shinobi (2nd'ing)

as a kid. Not sure how well all of these hold up today..

[Trebuken]

I believe there are only a couple of $50 SMS games; you don't have to spend much to get into Master System Gaming, Psycho Fox isn't the cheapest game though.

For collectors this is often considered a good starter system because of the small US library and relatively low prices. You can also find the games complete easily. Keep your eyes open for a pair of Glasses though, they can get expensive...

Most of the games are worth playing, though you might skip the sports titles...pick up what you can find cheaply, many recognizable titles...

[diskoboy]

The Segascope 3-D glasses (IMO) is one of the best video game peripherals ever invented. Sega should've made more titles, designed for the glasses, than they did.

And every SMS owners collection isn't complete, without Zillion, R-Type, and Phantasy Star.

[Sabz5150]

I'm hoping to find a copy of Ys for the SMS at my local gamestore... one day.

Oh, PM sent about Psyco Fox :D

[ooXxXoo]

On a side note, just in case you decide to get "Rocky".......
It took me a little over 10 years to finally beat Drago....

[Mark III]

Next, I need some games to buy since the store didn't have a lot in stock. I'll go the Ebay root, but would rather not buy a $50 game

You're in luck then, most of the games on the system tend to be pretty cheap. Even the pricey ones can usually be found on the cheap if you don't mind loose carts.

[grolt]

You're in luck then, most of the games on the system tend to be pretty cheap. Even the pricey ones can usually be found on the cheap if you don't mind loose carts.
Yeah, the only pricey ones outside of the last few releases are the re-releases anyway, and even the pricey last ones (US Sonic, Spider-man, Golden Axe Warrior and Buster Douglas Boxing) can all be found in other versions for peanuts overseas (Buster was released as Heavyweight Champ overseas). Golden Axe Warrior will probably run you a pretty penny, but it's worth it, probably my favorite game for the system next to Wonder Boy III. It has a fantastic library though - there's only a few games that I really *don't* like, everything else ranges from good to great. Grab some cheap eBay lots and have fun!

[swlovinist]

I love the SMS. I got pretty lucky and have gotten a US boxed set after a couple of big scores. A great addition to any game collection. Phantasy Star alone is worth the price of admission.

[TwinChargers]

Congrats on your find. One question I ask, is why did you decline on the joystick? If its the one I'm thinking of, it is one of the better ones out there.

As for good games that no one has mentioned, I like Out Run and Space Harrier. I also enjoy Rambo and Quartet.

[Blitzwing256]

I recommand the following North American sms games based on your interests:

[

Here are recommanded Import Sms games that are able to be played on an American Sms:



Gauntlet
The Lucky Dime: Staring Donald Duck
Xenon 2: Megablast


Gauntlet was an import game? I got it in a lot of other common games, I had no idea ;-)

[Dr. Dib]

Thanks for all the input. I didn't get the joystick as I barely had enough money to purchase everything as it was. Next time I go I'll probably pick one up. As for the games, I'll keep all of them in mind.

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

Congrats on your find. One question I ask, is why did you decline on the joystick? If its the one I'm thinking of, it is one of the better ones out there.
The only SMS stick released in the U.S. has a reversed layout compared to what you usually expect on a joystick. The buttons are on the left and the stick is on the right. It's because it was designed as an Outrun controller and driving games do play better with that layout. It works fine on other games if you can get past the layout (it might be great for some left-handed people), though, and does have a nice feel.

There was at least one third party arcade stick with a standard layout released in Europe, though. By Wico or someone like that.


...word is bondage...

[Dr. Dib]

While I probably should post in the techinical/restoration section, I'll ask my question here. I'm trying to take apart my Master System, but it gets stuck in the front. If anyone has a video guide or picture guide please post it here.

[miaandjohnrule]

There was at least one third party arcade stick with a standard layout released in Europe, though. By Wico or someone like that.



There was the beeshu one released here in the states. It's a good stick.

[ooXxXoo]

There are 6 screws at the bottom holding the case together,un-do these and gently expand the controllers connectors ports area side just enough to free them out of the way and lift the case up...

[grolt]

The only SMS stick released in the U.S. has a reversed layout compared to what you usually expect on a joystick. The buttons are on the left and the stick is on the right. It's because it was designed as an Outrun controller and driving games do play better with that layout. It works fine on other games if you can get past the layout (it might be great for some left-handed people), though, and does have a nice feel.

There was at least one third party arcade stick with a standard layout released in Europe, though. By Wico or someone like that.


...word is bondage...
I don't mind the controller, actually, even with the reversed layout. Basically all racing games play better with it - especially ENDURO RACER, where you're constantly pushing up and then down over jumps.